NINETEEN - DEREK

Derek Skye returned to the café to finish her shift, and once she was done, I met her in the lobby, taking her hand as we made our way up to my apartment. Entering the elevator, we shared a smile, holding hands tightly as we ascended to my floor. Even as nosy elderly ladies chatted nearby, Skye grinned, unbothered by their curiosity. Stepping out into the hallway, her laughter echoed against my arm. Inside the apartment, we finally relaxed, the tension of the day melting away as we embraced. I poured us each a glass of wine, and we settled onto the couch. Skye sighed contentedly, expressing her relief. "I feel so much better," she said. I nodded in agreement. "Me too. It was frustrating at first having everything out in the open, but now it feels liberating. We don't have to hide anymore. We can kiss in public, go out for dinner without worrying about being seen," I said, leaning in to kiss her. "Everything is falling into place just as we hoped," Skye murmured against my lips. Meanwhi